Of plants, packets, pots, and promise

Cook Memorial Library and the Tamworth History Center will cosponsor a talk on the history of the seed industry on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.

Kevin Bragg will explore the history of selling seeds and plants in America and the people who sought to satisfy the “plant bug.” With names like Bartram, Burbank, Burpee and Ball, learn of the people behind the evolution of America’s plant industry. Yet less well-known people, from ambassadors to a commodore, have also influenced our gardening history in unique ways.

The evolution of seed packaging and catalogs, the import/export of plants to “the new world,” scientific advancements and cultural shifts have all led up to today’s modern breeding, marketing and selling of plants. Using contemporary accounts, drawings, lithographs and photos, this illustrated story follows the development of American horticultural history, from subsistence farming to ornamental gardening.

Kevin Bragg has over thirty years of experience in the horticulture field including time spent as Coordinator of Historic Gardens at Canterbury Shaker Village. Owner of Canterbury Plantation, Kevin enjoys combining his passions for plants and history and exploring the relationships among them.